Looking for a COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser review? It made waves in the skincare world, especially with those battling acne and oily skin. But does it truly live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
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Let me just preface that I don’t have an acne-prone skin. I’m a combination type beautea and don’t get pimples very often. Most reviews online came from those who have acne and/or oily skin. So… I want to test this cleanser out to see if it’s also good for those who have normal skin types.
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser promises to melt away the skin’s impurities. In my head, that subliminally meant stripping away moisture too. But since this is a K-Beauty brand, I trusted and bought this product.
In this post, you’ll learn all about COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Cleanser benefits, COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Cleanser for blemish skin, affordable skin care, or maybe you’re thinking… can I use COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Cleanser everyday? We’ll discuss that over too!
This post is all about the COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Cleanser review.
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser Review
At A Glance

pros:
- Non-stinging
- Non-drying
- Nutrient-packed
cons:
- Subtle citrus fragrance
About COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
The most obvious ingredient in this cleanser is the salicylic acid. And when you think of salicylic acid, you’re thinking of a harsh, stinging solution that solves those white patches on your face or upper arm when you were in high school. It’s called tinea versicolor, by the way.
It’s amazing how COSRX knows there’s nothing new with salicylic acid and that it’s been in our households for decades. So they curated this product to be gentle and can be used daily. Plus, they sprinkled botanical ingredients, all to cover the fact that there’s an active ingredient in this tube: the salicylic acid.
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser Ingredients
Generally, salicylic acid is a great ingredient for removing excess sebum, unclogging those pores, and getting rid of your acne. And we all know that this is our main ingredient. See this video from a skin doctor and let’s dive deeper into what other star ingredients are in this tube!
- Lauric Acid β A 12-carbon length fatty acid called lauric acid is naturally found in coconut milk, coconut oil, laurel oil, and palm kernel oil. In skincare products, it’s used as an emulsifier or as a cleansing agent.
- Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate β A mild and non-drying cleanser that gives skin a nice and soft after-feel. It also has great foaming properties, comes from coconuts and it’s biodegradable.
- Tea Tree Oil β One of the most well-known essential oils in Australia, where it has been utilized for nearly 100 years for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract β A plant extract with proven skin-soothing, and antioxidant benefits.
First Impression on COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Packaging
The COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser comes in a sleek, minimalist white tube with black text.
Its packaging is practical and straightforward, which matches the brandβs no-nonsense approach to skincare. The tube is easy to use, and the cap closes securely, so you donβt have to worry about any leaks or spills.
Fragrance and Stinging
The cleanser has a subtle, citrusy, almost medicinal scent due to the salicylic acid, but itβs not overwhelming. And there’s no stinging during or after your application.
Immediate Tightness Feeling
One of the biggest complaints about salicylic acid products is that they can leave your skin feeling tight and dry. But I didn’t experience it with this cleanser. There’s no uncomfortable tightness after-feel.
This cleanser is doing a great job of exfoliating without stripping away your skin’s natural moisture barrier. And this is a huge plus, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin.
3 Weeks Into Using COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
First off, I’m not using this every single day because the ingredients are more of a mild exfoliant than they are cleansers. I use it every other night only and with as little product as possible.
One night, I decided to give my DIY face wash foam maker a try. I mean, I’ve always heard that foaming cleansers are amazing for oily or combo skin. That fluffy, bubbly texture just seems perfect for cutting through all the grime and oil that builds up during the day, right?



Using this DIY bubble foam maker made the cleanser not so motivating to use on the face since you don’t feel the creamy texture of the cleanser anymore. But to my surprise, it still cleans, if not better than the non-emulsified form!
The Verdict
I’ve been using the COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser for more than 3 weeks now, and I’m ready to share my thoughts. Let’s dive in!
Cleansing Ability
One of the most important aspects of a cleanser is its ability to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. I’m happy to report that this COSRX cleanser delivers. With just one wash, my skin feels thoroughly cleansed and refreshed. Even light makeup comes off without much effort.
Exfoliation
I was hoping for a more noticeable exfoliation effect, but this cleanser takes a gentle approach. While it didn’t dramatically change my skin texture, I appreciate that it didn’t cause any irritation or dryness.
Acne-Control
I don’t have severe acne, but I do deal with occasional whiteheads on my nose. Unfortunately, I didn’t see a dramatic reduction in these pesky little bumps. However, it’s important to note that acne treatment often takes time, and consistent use might yield different results.
Moisturizing
This is where the COSRX cleanser truly shines. My skin feels supple and hydrated after each wash, without that dreaded tight, squeaky clean feeling. No dryness or flakiness in sight!
Overall Performance of COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Cleanser
Overall, the COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is a solid choice for those looking for a gentle yet effective cleanser. While it might not be a miracle worker for acne, it excels at cleansing and hydrating the skin.
Its gentle yet effective formulation makes it suitable for daily use, providing you with clear, smooth, and refreshed skin with consistent use.